The Latest in Deer Park News
DPHS's Mills selected to attend prestigious workshop
Matthew Mills has been selected to attend the 2010 Youth Range Workshop at the Texas Tech University Center-Junction on June 20-25. County selection of participants involved in 4-H and FFA programs was based on outstanding projects, leadership and interest in range and natural resource management.
Matthew's local sponsor is Phelps State Farm Insurance, a strong supporter of range education and leadership development of local youth. He attends Deer Park High School and is the son of Mike and Donna Mills.
The weeklong Youth Range Workshop, sponsored by the Texas Section Society for Range Management is held annually to recognize outstanding Texas youth and to provide them with an opportunity for complimentary training in range and natural resource management, stewardship and leadership. According to Dr. Barron Rector and Hoyt Seidensticker, Workshop co-coordinators, youth participants will learn about the principles of ecology, ecosystem level management, total resource management, range and watershed management and gain an understanding of the plant-soil-water relationship.
Hands-on activities and lectures conducted by 16 staff members will provide training for the youth participants in plant identification, evaluation of rangeland potential/health, determination of stocking rates and the decision making process relative to livestock production, wildlife habitat and multiple uses of Texas rangelands.
Leadership training will feature communications skills and conflict resolution as related to ecosystem management. Field trips for hands on training will be to Mason and Menard County ranches, the Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Texas Tech University Center Lands and the South Llano River State Park.
"This intensive workshop has a goal to prepare 4-H and FFA youth for service in leadership roles as youth leaders in range and natural resource management for their respective county programs, clubs and chapters," said Rector.
Range Workshop instructors include Texas Cooperative Extension Specialists, Texas Agricultural Experiement Station Scientists, County Extension Agents, teachers from major Texas universities, ranchers, consultants, land stewardship consultants, personnel from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas General Land Office, and other members of the Texas Section Society for Range Management involved in the management of rangeland and youth education.
This will be the 56th consecutive year for this education program conducted for Texas youth. The Workshop began in 1955 and has provided training for more than 1,950 Texas youth.